Why is it that while we are in the playoff hunt -- the wild card is well within reach -- there is still talk of trading our players? Shouldn't we be looking to pick up to fill any holes?-- Kathy, Aurora

Kathy - Even in the world of Twitter tweets and wireless feeds, some trade rumors percolate slowly. Most of the reports you read reflect the Rockies' previous swamp existence. They were primed to be one of the game's earliest sellers -- that's why the chatter about the Yankees' interest in Huston Street and the Phillies kicking the tires on Ryan Spilborghs.

As it stands, the Rockies are more likely to be buyers, searching hard for a bullpen arm. LaTroy Hawkins would be a great fit, but isn't available yet. Colorado could use Garrett Atkins and Spilborghs as bait to land an arm. But again, with the team playing so well, there's no rush to change the chemistry.

Troy - There has been recent talk about adding a fifth starter to replace Jorge De La Rosa. With good young players in the minors having their paths blocked to the majors, wouldn't it make more sense to move some good prospects like Eric Young Jr., Hector Gomez and Matt Miller for a staff ace to take some pressure off of Ubaldo Jimenez and the rest of the
pitching staff?-- Chad B., Kearney, Neb.

Chad - If the Rockies were somehow able to land Cleveland's Cliff Lee, they would not only be the wild-card favorite, but also a true threat to catch the Dodgers for the division title.

I only advise the kind of deal you are suggesting for Lee. I don't see anyone else out there that's worth unloading three bodies for right now.

With Franklin Morales improving in the minor leagues and Greg Smith finally show signs of progress, the Rockies should have some internal options. It's a seller's market for starters. And will be at the deadline. There will likely be better value going after a reliever.

Troy - What ever happened to Casey Weathers? Wasn't he supposed to be the late-inning help from the bullpen that the Rockies are in need of now?-- Joe, Grant, Neb.

Joe - Had Casey Weathers remained healthy, he would be in the bullpen. Heck, he would likely be the primary setup man to Huston Street. But Weathers blew out his elbow in the Arizona Fall League last October. I remember getting that text. I was at a Dodgers' playoff game, and was told that Weathers left the mound agonizing in pain. He's doing well in recovery so far, and should be a factor next season.

Hey, Troy. When Jim Tracy took over the top job, would he have considered just adding bench coach to Don Baylor's duties? Baylor surely has the experience. And really, I can't imagine it would have overextended the guy during the games -- I could be wrong. Seems if Tom Runnells was a good manager at Triple-A, why move him, ya' know?-- Jim, Denver

Jim - The easiest transition meant keeping all the pieces of the puzzle in place.

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Speak up by sending your Rockies- or MLB-related question to Troy E. Renck

Moving Baylor would have created a domino effect. That's not to say Baylor couldn't do the job -- obviously he could.

I like the fit with Tom Runnells, and frankly the hitters have really found their niche with Baylor. No sense in messing that up. Runnells deserves another chance in the big leagues. He's a no-nonsense guy who complements Tracy well.

Hi, Troy. Is the promotion of Tracy to be credited for this surge or are the Rockies just hot right now? What is Tracy doing differently as the skipper of the Rockies?-- Brian C., Tustin, Calif.

Brian - As Brad Hawpe told me the other day when I asked what has changed, "Everything." The reality is that Tracy has made a difference in three significant ways. He created stability in the lineup, committed to Clint Barmes and Ian Stewart and has shown more confidence in his pitchers, not becoming a slave to statistics.

What I love about Tracy is that he lets his eyes tell him what to do with his pitchers. I hate when managers say: We had to go to the lefty because their hitter struggles against lefties. Yeah, but not your lefty. Tracy isn't afraid to watch the game and get second-guessed in his brief tenure with the Rockies.

This isn't to suggest Clint Hurdle doesn't deserve credit for the 2007 success. It shows different methods can work. But Tracy is completely opposite of Hurdle. Tracy is quiet, Hurdle boisterous and loud. Tracy is never in the clubhouse. Hurdle was often in the clubhouse. It's been a good change for a team that needed to be jarred from its coma.

Do you think a majority of the players were pleased by the firing of Clint Hurdle as manager?-- Skip, Denver

Skip - Happy isn't the right word. Most of the guys felt guilty because they played so awful for two months. That said, it was time for a change. It was a relationship that was beyond repair. By the end, the players had tuned Hurdle out. It made no sense to wait. General manager Dan O'Dowd did the right thing by acting when he did. It saved the season.

Hi, Troy. Can you give me the history of the Colorado Rockies managers? I can only remember Clint Hurdle, Don Baylor and Jim Leyland. Who am I missing? Were there other interim managers? Thanks.-- Donna, Parker

Donna -

Don Baylor managed from 1993-1998.

Jim Leyland managed in 1999.

Buddy Bell managed from 2000 to April 2002.

Clint Hurdle managed from April 2002 to May 2009.

And now Jim Tracy.

Of this crew, Hurdle and Tracy were both interim managers. It would be the upset of the century if Tracy doesn't land the job full time given how the Rockies have responded under his watch.

Lockheed says object part of 'sensor technology' testing that ended ThursdayWhat the heck is that thing? It's fair to assume that question was on the minds of many people who traveled along Colo. 128 south of Boulder this week if they happened to catch a glimpse of what appeared to be a large, silver projectile perched alongside the highway and pointed north toward town.

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